Etiquette at the two holy mosques

What the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah asks visitors to do and avoid. Ask a qualified scholar for religious rulings.

Information only. Rules, permits and timings change, so confirm with official sources and your scholar before you travel. We do not sell, book or guarantee anything.

Do

Enter with the right foot and leave with the left. Straighten the prayer rows and fill the gaps. Pray in the designated areas. Stay calm, be patient and use polite language. Follow signs and safety instructions. Return Qur'an copies to their place after reading. Label your luggage with your name and contact details. Smoke only in designated areas. Give charity through official channels.

Do not

Do not take photographs during worship or without permission. Do not raise flags, banners or political or partisan slogans, and do not use loudspeakers. Do not leave bags in corridors or reserve spots with belongings. Do not bring large bags, sharp tools or electronic devices such as projectors or large speakers. Do not pray in corridors or play videos loudly.

At the Kaaba and Maqam Ibrahim

Do not push to touch the Kaaba or Maqam Ibrahim, and do not seek blessings by wiping the chamber window or Maqam Ibrahim. Do not perform ablution with Zamzam containers.

Children and safety

Do not let children play in the open courtyards. Do not respond to beggars on the street. Do not use unsafe electrical devices, fireworks or open flames in your accommodation, and do not take hotel property such as towels or appliances.

Tawaf and the Mataf

The Mataf on the ground floor is for people in ihram only. Floors one and two are for wheelchairs and carts. The guide says an Umrah takes roughly 1.5 to 3 hours depending on crowds and whether you walk or use carts. Haram restrooms are not for showering, so return to your accommodation.

Services and numbers

Guidance booths in Masjid al Haram: 8001111935. Masjid an Nabawi cart service: 8001222100 and 8001222400. Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: 1966 inside the Kingdom or +966920002814 from abroad. Book Rawdah visits only through the Nusuk app. See our toilets and wudu page and timings page.

Frequently asked

Can I take photos at Masjid al Haram?

The Ministry guide says not to photograph during worship or without permission.

Can I bring a large bag into the mosque?

No, the guide lists large bags among items not to bring. See our luggage storage page.

Where do I get guidance inside the Haram?

Guidance booths, phone 8001111935.

Sources

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: Umrah and Visit Guide (PDF)

Reviewed by the Makkah Madina Guide editorial team on 20 October 2026.